Learn from the ‘best places to work’

Google, Facebook, and Southwest Airlines are among the top five companies on job search site Indeed’s “Best Places to Work 2017” list. You may not have the resources of these large companies, but you can incorporate some of their ideas into your company’s culture.

Respect. The best companies cultivate a culture of respect, according to a poll conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management. Employees say they feel valued by their leaders and their coworkers regardless of their background, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or gender.

Opportunities for growth. Leaders at the best companies evaluate staff regularly and look for ways to challenge them in new areas.

Communication is key. At the best companies, leaders and staff talk constantly. The organization regularly seeks feedback about its culture, practices, and operational challenges. Leaders are accessible and open to discussion about business problems and successes.

Clear goals. The best companies openly state well-defined objectives and the steps required to achieve them, according to Fortune magazine.

Accountability. The best companies make sure workers are confident they’ll be rewarded for performance and held responsible for achieving their objectives.

Bottom line: When you treat your employees with respect and keep challenging them, they’re less likely to leave for greener pastures.